An anchor line, made of rope or fitted with a rubber shock absorber, reduces the strain on the anchor winch, keeps the boat steady and improves the anchor’s hold on the seabed. Its elasticity absorbs the jolts that can occur when the boat sways or in swell. However, attaching it using a chain hook requires a bit of a faff, particularly on modern boats with a pointed bow. Removing the snubber can be even more difficult if you want to let out more chain in rough conditions or need to raise the anchor quickly. Find out more about using a chain strope or snubber in the Anker Special.
Simply clip it onto the chain
The SnubberBuddy from Poseidon Technology It is made from 316 stainless steel and resembles a snap shackle. It is clipped onto a chain link in front of the bow roller, where it is designed to sit securely. The design is one-size-fits-all and is intended to fit calibrated ISO and DIN anchor chains with diameters of eight, ten or twelve millimetres. Poseidon Technik specifies a working load limit of 1,375 kilograms and a breaking load of 5,500 kilograms.
Can be triggered from the cockpit
In the normal procedure, the SnubberBuddy is first clipped in, then the chain is slackened until the sling takes the load. The release line should run parallel to the sling. If you route it all the way into the cockpit, the instructions state that you’ll need a small block above the bow cleat as well as guides on the rail supports. It’s important not to route the line too loosely; otherwise, it could wrap round the sling whilst the boat is heaving.
To release it, a gentle tug on the release line is sufficient when the load is light. The SnubberBuddy opens, falls out of the chain and can be hauled on board. In strong winds or under high tensile load, however, the manufacturer recommends first reeling in the chain briefly using the anchor winch or relieving the tension by moving the boat forward slightly. Only then should the mechanism be triggered. According to the company, Poseidon Technik manufactures the SnubberBuddy in Dundee, Scotland, and offers a lifetime guarantee. The price, including postage, is 221 pounds, which is equivalent to around 260 euros.
Book recommendation
Stress-free sailing Duncan Wells’ book covers the manoeuvres that need to work reliably when sailing with a small crew or alone. As well as anchoring and marking the anchor chain, the book explains how to handle lines, reef the sails and manoeuvre in varying wind and current conditions. Numerous photographs, illustrations and supplementary videos help you to go through the procedures on board before your next anchoring manoeuvre.
Do you use a chain hook for the anchor hawser? What has been your experience when hoisting and lowering the anchor?
Hauke Schmidt
Test & Technology editor
